Not long ago, a Christian author by the name of Timothy Jones and his wife, Rayann, decided to take their family to Disney World. This trip would include their newly-adopted, 8-year old daughter. The trip would also become a picture of God’s grace.

Here’s some background. Before her adoption into the Jones family, the 8-year old girl had come to believe that anyone’s love for her depended entirely upon her own, personal behavior. In her mind, if she didn’t behave well enough, no one would love her. Eight years of this had driven her into a quiet despair when it came to the idea of fitting into a family.

And so when her new mom and dad announced that the family would be going to Disney World, the 8-year old reacted in a disturbing way. She began to misbehave. Each time, however, her new mom and dad would exercise patient discipline. They would see to it that each episode was resolved, and they would assure their daughter that they loved her. Then they would move on.

Not long before the family was to leave on their trip, the daughter misbehaved yet again. As her new dad placed her on his lap to talk to her, she said, “I know what you’re going to do. You’re not going to take me to Disney World, are you?”

Her new father’s response was a pivot point. He asked her, “Is this trip something we’re doing as a family?” She nodded yes. “Are you part of this family?” Again, she nodded yes. “Then you’re going with us,” he said.

Fast forward to the end of their first day at Disney World. A different little girl has emerged. Her episodes of rebellion have faded. At bedtime she unburdens herself in words few in number but packed with meaning. “Daddy,” she says, “I finally got to go to Disney World. But it wasn’t because I was good; it’s because I’m yours.”

It wasn’t because I was good; it’s because I’m yours.

Through faith in Jesus as our Savior, that is the security you and I possess in God’s forgiveness. That is the radical nature of God’s grace—his undeserved love for you and me. And that is what empowers us to live for him.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, my whole relationship with you rests entirely upon your grace for me through faith in your Son. I am yours. You are mine. Thank you. Amen.

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About Living Hope Church

We are a WELS Lutheran Church located in Omaha, Nebraska, in the Millard area. We invite you to learn with us about Jesus Christ, the son of God, our Savior. We provide child care and preschool education through Our Precious Lambs.